Copyright (c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is
is licenced for free non-commercial distribution only.
----------------------------------------------------------
** MAGICK 4 -- ELEMENTS AND FORCES **
The Ancientsdividedthe worldintofour basicprinciplesor
*elements* -- earth, water, fire, and air. That viewpoint has mostly
changed with advances of science, but the four elements are still
accepted in magick, for they are more closely linked with emotions,
the human psyche, and with nature than are modern explanations of the
world. These
*magical elements* are also of some importance in astrology. Many
occultists think of the magical elements as forces, or as *qualities*
of energy; especially within the astral world. Each element has a
symbol and color. (Common symbols are -- fire: a triangle pointing up;
air: a triangle pointing up and with a horizontal line through the
middle of it; water: a triangle pointing down; earth: a triangle
pointing down and with a horizontal line through the middle of it.)
Colors of the elements are -- earth: brown and green; water: blue;
fire: red; air: yellow...The Eastern tattvic system uses different
1301
symbols and colors. (The tattvic symbols are briefly described later
on in this course.) The elements are often used in magick ritual.
Magickseesrelationships
betweenthings.Theserelationships
are called 'correspondences'. Although magical correspondences are not
literally equal to one another, you can think of them that way (such
as gold equals sun). Tables of these relationships, called 'Corres-
pondence Tables', are available (an important one is Crowley's '777').
Thus one thing or symbol can be used to suggest another. This is
important in
magick, for the magician may surround himself with as many appropriate
correspondences as he can to vividly affect the senses; thus making
his magical contact with the inner planes more lucid.
1302
Themagicalelementshavecorrespondenceswiththetarotcards
as the four suits. The four quarters (directions of the universe as
used in magick ritual) and the Archangels also correspond with these
same elements --
Element Suit Quarter Archangel
======= ==== ======= =========
earth pentacles north Uriel
water cups west Gabriel
fire wands south Michael
air swords east Raphael
Astrologicalsignsalsocorrespondwiththeelements.Taurus,
Virgo, and Capricorn are earth signs. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are
water signs. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are fire signs. Gemini, Libra,
and Aquarius are air signs.
ELEMENTALS
The magicalelements are saidto bepeopled by spiritsand
mythological entities called elementals or nature spirits. These are
grouped into four main categories --
1303
Gnome (earth) Undine (water) Salamander (fire) Sylph (air)
============= ============== ================= ===========
dwarfs nymphs jin (genies) fairies
elves tritons storm angels
brownies mermaids
hobgoblins mermen
lepricauns sirens
harpies
Elementalsareusuallyonlyvisible tothosewithclairvoyant
sight and are more likely to be seen at night in the mountains or
country away from cities -- especially if you are tired or sleepy.
Although elementals exist naturally, it is also possible to create one
which will exist for a limited time -- no elemental has immortality. A
created elemental is called
an 'artificial elemental'.
1304
TotheAncients, elementalswerethephysical explanationof
the universe. However, some contemporary occultists see them only as
symbols for forces and otherwise not 'real' at all. Another word
sometimes used for elemental is 'familiar' (usually in medieval
witchcraft); the term is ambiguous, as it might merely be an ordinary
household pet such as a dog or cat.
YIN YANG
Chinesephilosophyandacupuncture talkofyin yang.This is
the idea of polarity, or opposite pairs, as shown --
YIN YANG
=== ====
water fire
contraction expansion
cold hot
feminine masculine
moon sun
negative positive
passive active
ebb flow
1305
wane wax
The list could go on. In Chinese literature it is quite long. Some
occultists suggest everything can be similarly arranged into related
opposite pairs.
1306
SIMPLE MAGICK
Hereis asimple magicaltechniqueyou maywish totry. Itis
a variation of affirmation, which was discussed in an earlier les-
son...To help you to achieve your goal (magical or otherwise), find a
word or short phase which sums up what it is that you want to accom-
plish. Write the word (or phrase) down 10 times each day until you
achieve success.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) List the four elements.
2) What is an elemental?
3) What are correspondences?
BOOK LIST
William Britten, Art Magic (long out of print, but in some
libraries).
Pete Carrol, Liber Null.
Wing-Tsit Chan, A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy.
Manly Hall, Unseen Forces.
1307
========
Phil Hansford, 4/88
Mysteria
(818) 353-8891 (modem)
P.O. Box 83
Tujunga, CA 91042
1308
Copyright (c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is
is licenced for free non-commercial distribution only.
----------------------------------------------------------
** MAGICK 5 -- CHAKRAS AND MEDITATION **
AccordingtoEastIndianphilosophy,manpossessessevenmajor
*chakras* or psychic centers on his body. Each of these forms a
bridge, link, or energy transformer; changing pure (higher) energy
into various forms, and connecting the four bodies (ie. spiritual,
mental, astral, and physical) together. The chakras are located along
the nadies (a network of psychic nerves or channels) and follow the
autonomic nervous system along the spinal cord. Chakras correlate
with major acupuncture points along the 'governing vessel meridian'
(acupuncture term). The seven major chakras are connected together by
three major nadies which are parallel and near each other. The middle
nadi is called *sushumna* and it has neutral characteristics. The nadi
on the left (ie. nearest your left hand) is the *ida* nadi which has
yin characteristics. On the other side of sushumna
(nearest your right hand) is the *pingala* nadi, having yang qualit-
ies.
1309
Chakrasarevisible toclairvoyantsightas varouslycolored
rotating circles or funnels. In the East they are described as petaled
flowers or lotuses. Sources disagree on the colors.
The first chakra,located at thebase of the spineat the
perineum is the *root chakra*, muladhara. It primarily relates to the
element of earth and to psychic smell.
Thesecondchakra,knownasthe*sacralcenter*,svadhisthana,
is located above and behind the genitals. Its dominant element is
water, and it is related to psychic taste.
Thirdof thechakrasisthe*solar plexus*,manipura,located
at the navel and corresponding with the emotions and with the element
of fire; also with psychic sight (clairvoyance).
The*heart chakra*,anahata, isthe fourthchakra, located
over the heart and corresponding with the element of air, and also
with psychic touch.
Thefifthchakraisthe*throat chakra*,vishuddha,locatedat
the base of the throat (thyroid) and corresponding with psychic
hearing (clairaudience).
1310
The remainingtwo chakrasare very important.They relate
mostly to elevated states of consciousness. The *frontal chakra*, (or
'third eye') ajna, the sixth chakra, is located between, and slightly
above, the eyebrows. Ajna is the center of psychic powers and can
produce many psychic effects. Meditation on ajna is said to cure
nervousness.
Finally,the*crownchakra*,sahasrara,locatedatopthehead,
(pineal gland) is the seventh chakra. It is referred to as the thous-
and-petaled lotus and corresponds with astral projection and enlight-
enment.
Thereare alsomany minorchakras throughoutthebody. Each
chakra has a sound (letter) and a pitch which is sometimes used to
invoke it.
THE TATTVAS
Someoccultists preferto describethe magicalelements as
tattvas according to the Eastern system. Notice that these symbols and
1311
colors are generally different than the western symbols and colors for
the elements.
element tattva tattvic symbol
======= ====== ==============
earth prithivi yellow square
water apas silver crescent
fire tejas red triangle
air vayu blue circle
(spirit) akasa black oval
1312
YOGA
Yoga originated inIndia. It is aphysical or mentaldis-
cipline designed to condition and invigorate the mind and body. There
are many kinds of yoga, but they may be generally divided into three
main types...
Hathayoga--affect themindthrough thebodyusing physical
exercises; improve physical health and endurance.
Rajayoga-- affectthemindthrough mentaltraining;improve
concentration.
Mantrayoga --affect themind throughchanting andaffirm-
ation; achieve relaxation.
MEDITATION
This is a much touted areaof the occult. There aremany
meditation techniques, and many claims made for the benefits of
meditation. Basicly, meditation has two functions -- relaxation, and
perhaps, improved concentration. There are two main types...
1) concentration meditation (focusing),
2) insight meditation (mindfullness).
1313
Most kinds of meditation are the concentrative type. One simply
focuses his attention upon a single physical object (such as a candle
flame); upon a sensation (such as that felt while walking or breath-
ing); upon an emotion (such as reverence or love); upon a mantra
spoken aloud or even silently; or upon a visualization (as in chakra
meditation, seebelow)...Concentration meditation is, simply put, a
form of self-hypnosis.
Amantra(or mantrum)is oneormore wordsorsyllables which
are repeated -- often chanted -- aloud...A simple yet powerful mantra
is to vibrate the mystical word 'OM'. This mantra has long been
associated in India with the godhead/unity. Use it to aid in tuning
into universal vibrations which promote feelings of harmony, peace,
and well-being. Use it before magick ritual to 'get into the mood' and
afterward to 'dismiss the
forces'. You vibrate a mantra by saying it slowly aloud in a lower--
pitched voice than your normal speech, and a more or less constant
pitch as well. Let the sound fade at the end of the mantra. A powerful
one such as 'OM' will seem to vibrate the air around you. It should be
vocalized for 5-10 seconds and repeated a number of times with a few
seconds rest between each vocalization. Chanting of mantras may cause
slight dizziness from hyperventilation.
1314
Theothermaintype ofmeditaiton-- insightmeditation-- is
the analysis of thoughts and feelings in such a way as to cause
realization of the subjectivity and illusion of experience. This is
done in a effort to attain trancendental awareness. Such statements
as, 'This body is not me', fall under this category. Buddhist medit-
ations are usually of this type.
CHAKRA MEDITATION
Thereis aspecialtype ofconcentrativemeditation whichwe
will call 'Chakra meditation'. This is basicly Kundalini yoga -- the
practice of causing psychic energy (kundalini) to flow up sushumna,
energizing the various chakras along the way. The practice, considered
dangerous by
some, will produce deffinite physiological sensations and psycholog-
ical effects if continued long enough. It should not be attempted by
epileptics or persons with an unstable mental or physical condition,
or with heart disease. Certain drugs and medications, such as those
used to treat epilepsy may retard progress. Although the technique is
very simple, it may eventually produce powerful results. Results may
at first appear hours after the practice during sleep. As each chakra
is energized by this practice, it is said to add occult powers (si-
dhis), until at last the crown chakra is reached, and with it, full
enlightenment is attained. Sometimes kundalini awakens all by itself.
1315
Topracticethischakrameditation, yousimplyconcentrateon
the chakras, beginning with the root chakra, and moving progressively
up, as you visualize psychic energy from the root chakra traveling up
shushumna and vivifying each higher chakra. As we mentioned the
chakras have certain properties associated with them, so that this
type of visualization may
'raise consciousness', promote astral projection, and other things --
once you have reached ajna and eventually the crown chakra. You might
typically meditate in this fashion for 15 minutes to a half hour a
day. It might help to practice some hatha yoga or other physical
exercise in an effort to make the spinal cord 'more flexible'. Diet
may also affect the process. The technique is also similar to the
Tibetan 'Tummo' meditation. The rise of kundalini is sometimes
experienced as a 'vibration' or buzzing, as light, or as heat.
1316
HEALTH AND DIET
Certainly theway you treatyour physicalbody willaffect
your mind. In magick you want an alert mind. Therefore, your body must
be as healthy as you can keep it. Take care of your body. Exercise
regularly. eat a good diet (with vitamin supplements), and do not
consume anything which will have a negative effect upon the mind.
Drugs, smoking,, and alcohol
should be restricted, or eliminated. (The mind can create any condit-
ion which a drug can create.) A good rule here is moderation in what
and how much you consume. (Most of this stuff is pretty obvious isn't
it.) You may also want to cut down on sugar and processed foods. Many
occultists advise dietary changes, expecially the non-eating of meat.
We cannot deny the
physical, psychological, and spiritual effect which all foods have.
This effect may be described as the 'heaviness' factor of foods.
Various foods are so ranked in the chart, lighter to heavier...
1. lettuce and other greens.
2. fruits and most vegetables.
3. wheat, rice, and other grains.
4. nuts, beans, and other legumes.
5. cheese, dairy products, including eggs.
1317
6. fish, seafood.
7. chicken, poultry.
8. beef, pork, other red meats.
Note that meats, especially red meats are the 'heaviest' foods.
Generally, foods which are harder to digest, or which are higher in
protein are 'heavier' than those which are not. Animal products are
heavier than plants. Foods high in carbohydrate (candy, bread, starch)
are heavy. However, the 'heaviness' of foods is not directly related
to the amount of calories.
1318
Whatthismeansis thatforvarious reasons,theheaviness of
food in your diet will affect your magical experiences. You may be
able to increase your psychic receptivity ('energy level') by eating
lighter foods, or by eating less. Conversely, emphasizing heavy foods
in your diet, or eating larger helpings, may help to 'bring you down
to earth' should you 'rent the veil' too much. These are generalizat-
ions, of course, and it may take a number of days of dietary change
before you notice much effect. I do not advocate radical dietary
changes, excessive fasting, or malnutrition. Your good health is far
more important in magick than any temporary effect you get from
prolonged starvation. A change in diet will sometimes only
produce a temporary effect, until the physical body adapts to the
change. Healthy natural foods and lifestyle make it easier for us to
be healthy, but ultimately, good health is a mentual quality (at-
titude).
THE FOUR-FOLD BREATH
With physicalexercise too, moderation isadvised. (You
should be cautious, or not attempt it if you have a respiratory or
heart condition. Check with your physician if in doubt, and don't
overdo.) One of the most useful physical exercises is pranayama, or
controlled breathing (actually a type of hatha yoga exercise). For
1319
this and any other calesthentics or hatha yoga which you might choose
to do a 'kitchen timer' is suggested (many of these aren't accurate
for under three minutes, but are helpful for longer periods).
1320
Themain purposeofpranayama isto relaxthe bodyand mind.
There are many kinds of pranayama, but a simple one called the 'four--
fold breath' will suffice. This consists of four short quick inhall-
ations, then four short quick exhallations; then repeat, continuing
until the allotted time is used up. It will take about 1 1/2 seconds
for the four inhallations, and about 1 1/2 seconds for the four
exhallations; or about 3 seconds for the complete in-out cycle ('rep'
for repetition). There should be no strain of any kind during your
pranayama. You will probably notice a slight dizziness, particularly
at first, since the effect of pranayama is to hyperventilate. Try
sitting back in a chair with your eyes closed when you do your prana-
yama. Begin a minute a day for the first week and gradually increase
up to about five minutes a day. If you do the pranayama befor
your magical activity, it will help you to get 'into the mood'. It is
also an excellent aid to relaxation and tension release. Pranayama
should not be done during heavy air pollution. Other exercises you
might consider are hatha yoga, calesthentics, walking or jogging.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What is a chakra? List them.
2) Name the three major nadies. Which nadi is hot?
3) What is pranayama?
1321
BOOK LIST
Arthur Diekman, The Observing Self.
W.Y. Evans-Wentz, Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines.
Sandra Gibson, Beyond the Mind.
King and Skinner, Techniques of High Magic.
Swami Sivananda, Kundalini Yoga.
John Woodroffe (pseud. for Arthur Avalon), The Serpent Power.
========
Phil Hansford, 4/88
Mysteria
(818) 353-8891 (modem)
P.O. Box 83
Tujunga, CA 91042
1322
Copyright (c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is
is licenced for free non-commercial distribution only.
----------------------------------------------------------
** MAGICK 6 -- THOUGHTFORMS AND SPIRITS **
Although there are hundredsof kinds of divination, the
principle ones are astrology, geomancy, the tarot, the I Ching, and
direct psychic means (especially clairvoyance). True divination is
more than a mechanical system, for it implies true psychic interp-
retation (receiving). Some form of divination is often used in magick
ritual to communicate with
the entity invoked.
Sincedivination operatesthroughthemind,itisaffectedand
biased by the mind. Our attitudes and fears may alter it. Sometimes
results are very detailed, and accurate -- but not always. Often the
future is plastic and changeable anyway, and the use of magick may
alter the result. Thus divination shows tendencies only, which may be
helpful, but must not rule us.
DEVELOPING CLAIRVOYANCE
1323
It ispossible toimprove yournatural abilitywith clair-
voyance through practice. A good start might be to look around you,
then close your eyes and try to picture your surroundings. This is
also good exercise for visualization. And visualization is an essen-
tial talent in magick. Open your eyes again and check your accuracy.
Then close your eyes and try it
again. When you use your physical eyes, look at everything like a
child seeing it for the first time. Let the vividness of color and
form burn into you, until everything takes on a veritable glow. Try to
capture that glow when you close your eyes now and picture your
surroundings. It's just a simple step to extend what you see with your
eyes closed into what you remember seeing in the next room, or what
you *imagine* seeing in the next building, the next city, even the
other side of the world. Don't expect perfect results, especially at
first. Just try to be even partly right. Another exercise is to
picture a clock face, and thereby tell the time
clairvoyantly.
1324
THE AURA
Underthe rightconditions,it ispossible toclairvoyantly
observe a colored light around other people. This is known as the
'aura'. Sometimes the aura is seen as multi-colored emanations around
the person, built up of various differently colored layers and zones.
Although many
occult dabblers claim to be able to see the aura easily and under many
varied conditions, I seriously doubt that they do. There are optical
illusions and qualities of sight which can sometimes trick one into
thinking he sees what he does not see. In this area, the quality of
sight known as after image is especially pertinent. Do this: stare at
any solidly colored bright object for a few moments. Very intense red,
green, or blue are especially good for this. Now look away at a white
surface and you will see a phantom image of the object in its comp-
lementary color (a red object will show green, a blue one orange,
etc.). If the bright object is in front of a light surface, you may
observe a fringe of complementary color
around the object after a few moments. This is all very normal, and is
used by some magical groups as an aid to visualization sometimes
called 'flashing colors'. Some silly people will stare at other people
in the same way. And when they see the after image of the person's
clothing, they think they are seeing his aura. What is more, various
1325
meanings have been attributed to the colors of the aura. A psychic who
can see the aura is supposed to be able to determine that persons
emotional state. Thus psychic frauds can have a marvelous time with
auras. One deluded psychic taught a class I attended in which he
performed instant psychoanalysis on the
basis of the supposed aura. It was obvious that he was actually
observing after images from the students clothes!
Thisbrings usto thechart ofaura colorson thenext page.
It is a general guide, based mostly on Theosophical material. Various
groups may attribute different meanings to the colors. The colors we
show on the chart are emotional in nature; useful if you plan to
create an artificial elemental or do healing. Surrounding yourself
with a particular color will tend to produce the specific psycho-
logical effect described in the chart. That quality of color is
useful in magick ritual.
1326
COLORS OF THE AURA
BLACK malice
dark gray depression
pale gray fear
BROWN materialism
muddy gray selfishness
or
dull rust
RED energy
bright red anger and force
dirty red passion and sensuality
dull red selfish love
rose unselfish love
ORANGE pride
orange cloud irritability
bright orange noble indignation
YELLOW intellect
yellow-green low intellect
earthy yellow selfish thought
1327
lemmon high intellect
bright gold logical thinking
brt. red-yel. spiritual thought
GREEN empathy
gray-green deceit, jealously
greenish-brown jealousy
emerald green unselfish resourcefulness
foliage green sympathy & empathy
brt. apple-grn strong vitality
brt. turquoise deep sympathy & compassion
BLUE devotion (religious feeling)
gray-blue fetishism
light blue noble spiritual devotion
dark blue religious feeling
brt. lilac-blu lofty religious idealism
VIOLET spiritual psychic & spiritual
faculty
WHITE purity/protection
1328
THOUGHTFORMS AND SPIRITS
Whenever we concentrate our thoughts, we draw psychic energy
together. This is called a thoughtform. Usually the energy dis-
sipates as soon as we break the concentration, but it is possible to
purposely concentrate energy in this way, producing very strong
thoughtforms. Such thoughtforms are
vortexes or centers of psychic energy. They can exist as entities by
themselves, at least for a while. They are basically inanimate,
non-thinking forces. Talking to one is about as logical as talking to
a chair. In this way, thoughtforms are similar to elementals, ghosts,
and spirits. All of these psychic entities consist of a psychic
energy vortex which could be described as a localized field or as a
discontinuity of the physical world.
Psychic entities respond to certain electrostatic and magnetic
fields, and to other energy vortexes. That is why they respond to
magick ritual. Someday, we may accomplish the same thing with elect-
ronic machines. Psychic entities are sometimes able to affect our
thought processes.
Thoughtforms, elementals, and ghosts are usually not very smart.
If they display any intelligence at all, it is limited. They are the
morons of the spirit world. Their behavior is usually automatic,
1329
repetitive, robot-like (just like some people). We see that artif-
icial elementals
are little more than astral robots. Spirits and deities are more
intelligent and volitional.
DIRECTED ATTENTION
Your mind follows your attention. Wherever you direct your
attention, there will your thoughts go too. By directing attention to
a specific place or purpose you *focus* mental energy upon it.
For example: you're having lunch in a cafeteria crowded with
people. It is a large place, and everyone there is talking at once, so
that the room is a constant jumble of noise. You happen to notice a
man accross the room; he reminds you of someone. All at once he drops
his fork and you hear it hit the table. But would you have noticed the
sound of his fork if you had not been looking? No. Only by focusing
your attention there were you able to pick out that individual event
and associated sound.
1330
It is a dark night. You are walking and the only light you have
is from the flashlight you hold in your hand. As you move the flash-
light around, the beam of light from it directs your attention first
one way then another. Now, the mind is something like that flashlight
in the dark. And by directed attention, you point the mind to one
place or another. As with that flashlight beam, you see where the mind
is pointed; nothing more. The rest is 'noise'. And so we could define
mental noise as anything not focused upon. In another way, noise could
be considered as negative emotions, attitudes, and thoughts which make
it more difficult to direct the attention.
Your emotions follow your thoughts quite easily. Your emotions
are not YOU, but are rather reactions prompted by your model and ego
-- like a performance or an act, while the real you watches. In a
similar way, directing your attention toward a specific emotion will
cause you to
experience that emotion.
VISUALIZATION EXERCISES
Visualimagination andconcentration areveryimportant in
magick. Here are some exercises to help in your development...
1331
A. Close youreyes and visualize asingle digit numberas
clearly as you can. Then a two digit number, then a 3 digit one. Hold
the visualization in front of your 'inner eye' for about two minutes.
Repeat with a letter or a word.
B.Visualize abrightlycolored greencircle orspot. Again
hold the visualization for two minutes. Try again with a different
color.
C.Visualizein succession,eachone ofthetattvic symbols,
in their proper color. Hold each symbol for at least two minutes.
D.Look through atarrot card deckand pickout several of
your favorite cards. Then, after briefly studying a card, visualize it
vividly in detail. Hold the visualization for at least two minutes. Do
this for each card you selected.
E. Repeat the above visualization exercises with
your eyes open.
1332
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What is the aura?
2) What is a thoughtform?
3) How can you develope clairvoyance?
BOOK LIST
Annie Bessant and Charles Leadbeater, Thought Forms.
W.E. Butler, How to Develop Clairvoyance.
J.H. Brennan, Astral Doorways.
Piero Ferrucci, What We May Be.
Kilner, The Human Aura.
Swami Panchadasi, The Human Aura.
A.E. Powell, The Etheric Double.
Harold Sherman, How to Make ESP Work for You.
========
Phil Hansford, 4/88
Mysteria
(818) 353-8891 (modem)
P.O. Box 83
1333
Copyright (c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is
is licenced for free non-commercial distribution only.
----------------------------------------------------------
** MAGICK 7 -- BASIC RITUAL **
'The first part of every ceremony is the
banishing; the second the invoking.'
(--Crowley, Magick, p. 104)
Itmay besaid that ritualis thevery heartof magick. For
it is through ritual that we achieve our magical results. Ritual is a
magical procedure or ceremony we perform in order to change the
environment. Usually we think of ritual as bearing on active magick,
although certainly, it can also affect passive magick. Most often the
change achieved is subjective (it may be subtle) and in the physical
world. Outsiders may put them down to coincidence, but the effects are
very real. Magical goals for a ritual should not be taken lightly.
Thesuccessfulpracticeofmagick dependsuponstrongbelief.
The simplest ritual of them all must be belief itself. If you can
believe in your desired results strongly enough, that act is a magical
ritual which will achieve your results. Even a very complex ritual is
1334
no more effective than strong belief. There are aids to concentration
which may help. Thus in *creative visualization*, imagination and
controlled breathing are brought into play.
1335
CREATIVE VISUALIZATION
Whenyouwanttomagicallyachievesomething,first pictureit
clearly in your mind. The more deffinite and specific your idea of
what it is the better. Picture yourself having it or doing it. Vis-
ualize it as vividly and as intensely as you can and hold it in your
thoughts for a few
moments. Concentrate on it intensely (it may help to hold your breath-
). Feel the energy of desire welling up inside you. Then suddenly feel
the image or desire released from your mind. Feel the energy filtering
through the image and intensifying it, as if the image is a 'stencil'.
Imagine the
energy exploding out from you into the macrocosm in all directions at
once, and feel the universe 'tilt' as it reacts to the force. (At the
same time it may help to release your breath suddenly). Feel the
energy draining from you. Finally, *believe* that your purpose *has*
been accomplished; that it
HAS HAPPENED, perhaps saying something such as "so mote it be", or "it
is done".
THE BASIC PARTS OF A RITUAL
1336
Often ritualsare more formalthan theabove, but anyfull
magick ritual must always reduce to these stages -- 1) imaging; 2)
building; 3) firing. Sometimes a ritual must be repeated every day
for a while to achieve difficult results or to overcome weak belief.
1337
THE MAGICK CIRCLE
Often animportantpartofformal ritualisthemagickcircle.
Medieval magicians considered the circle essential, and placed great
emphasis upon its exactness. Elaborate designs were invented with
many layers of complex symbols and words. It was very important that
the circle
be completely intact with no breaks in it. The magician and any other
participants stand in the circle during ritual. The ritual began with
a banishing of evil forces (using the lesser ritual of the pentagram
for example) to keep them outside the circle. Today, circles are made
on the floor with chalk or paint, rock salt, or a rope. Whatever its
form, the circle is still an important part of magical protection for
the magician. This is especially important for aversive entities and
purposes. The circle also helps in focusing the energy of the ritual
toward its purpose, that is, it keeps it contained until the magician
is ready to release it. Of course, the magick circle is basicly only a
symbol, but it may eventually be possible to supplement the circle
with electronic equipment for a
similar purpose. We are researching the practicality of electro-
staticly charged Faraday shields.
ARTIFICIAL ELEMENTALS
1338
An artificial elemental isuseful for certain tasks: 1)
invisible watcher and observer, telling you what it sees; 2) psychic
guard; 3) it can be used in healing; 4) it is helpful in other ways.
Ophiel calls the artificial elemental a 'familiar'. Producing your own
artificial elemental is fairly easy. YOU MUST ASSUME THAT THE ACT HAS
PRODUCED RESULTS, EVEN IF YOU DO NOT IMMEDIATELY OBSERVE THEM. It is
entirely possible to produce one of these little beasties and not know
it (not being clairvoyant enough to
observe it directly). Therefore, and this is a general principle of
any magick, never ignore forces you have set into motion. Even though
you may not see the elemental, you may nevertheless 'feel' it.
WARNING-- Donot useartificial elementalsfor anykind of
aversive magick at this point; they can be nasty little critters to
get rid of. Should you have to eliminate one of them which you created
in error, you must re-absorb it back into yourself through your will;
or in some cases you can 'exorcise' it.
HOW TO CREATE AN ARTIFICIAL ELEMENTAL
You cancreate your own artificialelemental for various
purposes. An artificial elemental is basically a thoughtform which has
been strengthened with emotion. Refer to the aura color chart in the
1339
previous lesson and decide what color to make the elemental, based
upon your intended purpose. Apple green is a good choice for general
purposes.
Then decide on a shape or outline. Do you want your elemental to
resemble some sort of animal? A simple circle or cloud is a good place
to start. With this in mind you can use ritual to create your elemen-
tal. Creative visualization is good for this. Visualize it glowing
before you. A darkened room is helpful for this.
Communicatewithyourelementalwith telepathy,bytalkingto
it, or with creative visualization. Your artificial elemental is
closely linked to you and your subconscious attitudes. It will
generally not do things you think it cannot do. As in any magick,
results relate to effort and belief. Another way of looking at an
artificial elemental is as an aspect of your personality (sub person-
ality) which has been detached from you.
INVOCATION
Formalritual usually involves the invocation (ritually
calling up) of a god or goddess, spirit, or other entity. In this
sense, magick is somewhat similar to pagan religion and witchcraft.
However, we consider magick ritual a technique, not a religion.
Worship need not be involved.
1340
Sometimes the invocation of an entity creates an artificial elemental.
Crowley says there are three different kinds of
invocation --
1) Devotion to the entity (as in the Bhakti yoga of
the Hare Krishna sect; the Faustian devil pact).
2) Ceremonial invocation -- usual method of the
middle ages.
3) Drama -- usually needs more than one person (as in
a mass).
1341
Becauseof themicrocosm-macrocosmidentity,whenyouinvoke
the gods, you are invoking aspects of yourself. Jung has referred to
the gods as primitive archetypes. This makes it sound like spiritual
entities are illusions. But in fact the microcosm-macrocosm identity
does not discredit the gods and goddesses. It instead helps to il-
lustrate our relationship to the cosmos.
>>CAUTIONS<<
1.Balanceis importantinmagick. Varytheentities invoked
in order to keep your personality in balance.
2. Oftenas nota ritualmay produce side-effects,usually
something similar to, though not exactly the desired goal. If the true
goal is delayed (as sometimes happens) we may see the side effects
first. And if for some reason the goal is not achieved at all ('mi-
ssing the target') the side effects may be pronounced. Examples: 1)
You use magick ritual to hurry shipment of an anticipated package in
the mail. Side effect -- the next day an unexpected package (the wrong
one) arrives instead. 2) You use magick ritual to cause a certain
person to phone you. Side effect -- for several
days all sorts of people phone you...The sides effects will not affect
you (or anyone else) adversely unless that is what you inwardly want.
1342
3.We maysaywith certaintythat"something alwayshappens"
when we perform a magick ritual. But like everything else, magick
follows the 'law of results'. This means that results require effort
of some kind. And if you don't work hard enough at it you don't get
results. Difficult goals have greater resistance (magical inertia) to
overcome. If the ritual doesn't produce the desired results there is a
good chance that the reason for the failure is within oursleves. Be
certain there is no contradiction between your model and your magical
goals. Sometimes self doubt and mental
contradictions (wanting and not wanting at the same time) may inter-
fere. The first step in magick is to re-program your model. And, of
course you can help your magical results by working on the physical
level toward your goals. Don't expect them to fall into your lap by
themselves.
1343
4)A peculiarqualityofmagickis timedisplacement.Results
of a ritual are not usually instantaneous. There is often a delay of
12 hours or more. Difficult tasks or weakly performed ritual are more
likely to be delayed. In most cases a slight delay is alright, and it
gives us time to get used to the comming changes. And sometimes the
effects of a ritual
appear to extend to before the ritual was performed!
5)Because of theway magick works,a ritualmay create an
emphasis in what is sought, and a de-emphasis in everything else.
Balance is therefore important here. Once the magical result is
achieved it may be 'bound' to you and difficult to get rid of should
you later decide to do so.
Example: You use a magick ritual to help you find and buy a new house.
Years later when you decide to sell it, you are unable to do so.
Consider your magical goals wisely so you dont get stuck with som-
ething you don't really want. Note that theory says you can always
unbind through ritual what was bound to you...theory says.
6) Sometimesthe environmentappears to reactagainst the
magick after the results are achieved. This is particularly noticeable
in using magick to affect the weather (and the main reason why you
1344
should NOT use magick to affect the weather). For example...Your
performance of a ritual to produce a sunny day produces a sunny day.
The next day is sunny, alright, but the rest of the month is cold and
overcast. Here the weather seems to react to the magick in the op-
posite way to re-establish its natural balance. It is something like
pushing a pendulum to one side and releasing it -- the pendulum swings
to the other side. To quote
Emmerson -- "For everything you gain you lose something...". I don't
know that this is always true in magick, but it does illustrate the
point. And another reason not to use magick to affect the weather is
that it might foul it up in other parts of the country (world??).
7) Finally,magickritual(orany magickoroccultism)isvery
dangerous for the mentally unstable. If you should somehow 'get out
too far', eat 'heavy foods' as previously discussed (lesson on chak-
ras) and use your religious background or old belief system for
support. But remember too, that wierd experiences are not necessarily
bad experiences.
1345
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What is creative visualization?
2) List the basic parts of a ritual.
3) What is invocation?
RESEARCH TOPICS (for independent study)
1) Examine the differences between western magick and oriental
magick.
2) How do medieval grimoirs follow the basic ritual pattern?
3) Research and design your own formal ritual.
BOOK LIST
P.E.I. Bonewitz, Real Magic.
David Conway, Magic: an Occult Primer (or Ritual Magic).
Aleister Crowley, Magick in Theory and Practice.
Denning and Phillips, Creative Visualization.
Ophiel, Creative Visualization.
A.E. Powell, The Astral Body.
________, The Mental Body.
Joseph Weed, Wisdom of the Ancient Masters.
1346
Julian Wilde, Grimoire of Chaos Magick.
========
Phil Hansford, 4/88
Mysteria
(818) 353-8891 (modem)
P.O. Box 83
Tujunga, CA 91042
1347
Copyright (c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is
is licenced for free non-commercial distribution only.
----------------------------------------------------------
** MAGICK 8 -- HEALING AND BANISHING **
Psychic or spiritual healingis a human potentialwe all
possess. Some people are especially good at this. It is probably
easier to heal someone else by occult means than yourself. In addition
to healing in the presence of the person, there is 'absent healing' in
which the healing
occurs at a distance. Note that there are some who maintain that
influence on another person without his specific knowledge and permis-
sion (yes, even in healing and helping) is black magick. (After all,
everybody is living according to his own true will, so that healing or
helping someone without permission is affecting his will). This means
it is important to tell the person what you are planning to do and to
ask his permission. The theory of psychic healing is that sickness is
characterized (although not necessarily caused) by a deficiency and
imbalance of vital energy. Psychic healing transfers energy from the
healer to the sick to repair and rebalance his energies. If an inept
healer overdoes the process, or if he doesn't take the precaution to
'disconnect' himself afterwards, he may find himself
1348
becoming sick due to energy drain and a linkage to his subject.
Similarly, the healer should always be in a good state of health or he
could unintentionally transfer his illness to the subject.
1349
Thebasicmethods ofpsychichealingare: 1)creativevisual-
ization, 2) prayer, 3) ritual. Creative visualization is one of the
easiest techniques. Mild illness may yield to only one or two treat-
ments; serious ills will require many treatments over time. Psychic
healing should always be combined with medical care and treatment. It
does not replace
doctors, medicine, or hospitals, since different levels (worlds) are
involved. In creative visualization, we visualize the person being
well. It may be helpful to utilize the appropriate color from the aura
chart (such as bright apple-green, rose pink, or white) sent as a beam
to the person or as a cloud surrounding him. This technique can be
extended to include a simple kind of yoga in which we feel energy sent
as we exhale explosively; the energy sent either via the breath or
from one of the chakras such as the solar plexus. Sometimes in absent
healing it is helpful to arrange a time for treatment in advance,
asking your subject to be in a receptive state of mind and to sit back
and close his eyes.
THE BANISHING RITUAL
Oneofthemost basicanduseful ceremonialritualsof magick
is called the *banishing ritual*, or lesser ritual of the pentagram. A
pentagram (or pentacle) is a five-pointed star with the point up. The
1350
banishing ritual is helpful in psychic protection and healing since it
forms a protective barrier against malevolent forces. The psychic
barrier it creates can be made to permit entry of desired (const-
ructive) forces and the exclusion of negative ones. Thus, the banish-
ing ritual is an essential first step in almost any formal full magick
ceremony. The ritual requires that you use a magical implement or
"weapon", such as a
ceremonial knife, wand, or simply point your index finger, to "draw"
the pentagram in the air at each of the cardinal points (four direc-
tions). Also, you will be chanting ('vibrating') some Hebrew names of
God.
1351
Holdingyour magicalweaponand facingeast,extend yourarm
out straight in front of you. In this ritual you will use the full
sweep of your arm to draw the pentagram in the air. Follow the desc-
ription below by beginning at the lower left and sweeping your magical
weapon up toward the
right, etc. as shown. Do not bend your arm at the wrist or elbow.
While you do this, visualize the lines and eventually the star as
vibrant white, floating in the space before you. You are projecting
energy to do this, and the result will be a gleaming 5-pointed star
floating in the east; visualize this as vividly as you can. Now you
will energize it further
by piercing the center of it with your magical weapon and vibrating
(speaking slowly in a slightly lower than normal pitch, remember)
"Yod-He-Vau-He".
=============================================
-- DESCRIPTION --
Approximate points on a round clock face --
1. Begin at 7:30 position.
2. Point to 12 oclock position.
3. Point to 4:30 position.
4. Point to 10:30 position.
5. Point to 2:30 position.
1352
6. Return to 7:30 position.]
=============================================
Thenturn slowlytothe nextcardinal pointinsequence, and
as you do so, with your arm still extended in front of you, visualize
a white line connecting around to the cardinal point. Trace a similar
pentagram with the appropriate words and following the same procedure:
South -- Adonai Tzaboath
West -- Eh-Ei-He
North -- Agla.
Now complete the white line drawn back to the center of the eastern
pentagram. Note that the cardinal points must be followed in a clock-
wise order, and the pentagram must be drawn in the manner illustrated;
to do otherwise would change the function of the ritual. The result of
all this should be a large bright white pentagram visualized hanging
in mid-air
at each of the four directions, all tied together by a bright white
line. You could now, for example, visualize the pentagrams moving out
to the circumference of your home, thereby protecting all within.
Thereisalsoa somewhatsimplifiedversion ofthisritual in
which the pentagram is traced only once overhead and then is energized
with one of the four names, such as "Eh-Ei-He". Oftentimes the simpli-
1353
fied version is sufficient, but naturally the effect of the full
version is more
complete.
One ofthe primaryusesof thisritual istoward offpsychic
attack -- that is, when another is (consciously or unconsciously)
attempting to harm you, cause sickness, accidents, bad dreams, emo-
tional upset, or to force you to do something against your will.
Fortunately this doesn't happen very often. The world of the magician
is fairly safe for the pure of heart. Psychic attack usually depends
upon vulnerabilities. If you are not vulnerable you are safe. Thus
unificaition with the true will is the greatest protection possible.
And the use of the banishing ritual is never hurtful. You can even use
it to hold off negative aspects of
yourself.
Otherformsofprotection sometimeshelpful(depending upon
one's model) are recitation of the 'Lord's Prayer', the 23rd, and 91st
Psalms.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What is a pentagram?
2) What is psychic healing? List the basic methods.
3) What is the banishing ritual? Why is it used?
1354
BOOK LIST
Dion Fortune, Psychic Self-Defense.
________, Sane Occultism.
Adeliade Gardner, Vital Magnetic Healing.
Max Heindel, The Vital Body.
Ernest Holms, The Science of Mind.
Mouni Sadhu, Theurgy.
========
Phil Hansford, 4/88
Mysteria
(818) 353-8891 (modem)
P.O. Box 83
Tujunga, CA 91042
1355
Copyright (c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is
is licenced for free non-commercial distribution only.
----------------------------------------------------------
** MAGICK 9 -- ASTRAL PROJECTION **
Astral projection (OOBE,out of thebody experience) isa
popular area of occult literature; for traveling to see other worlds
and places while the physical body sleeps or is entranced is an
exciting notion. Astral projection is not dangerous. It is as safe as
sleeping. Most dreams are probably unconscious astral projections,
anyway. Although there has
been quite a bit written on the subject, astral projection is dif-
ficult for many people. The main difficulty is the tendency to forget
dream consciousness upon awakening. Accordingly, the successful
practice of astral projection requires work.
Modernpsychologydiscounts theideaofactual OOBE(thatthe
spirit temporarily vacates the physical body). However, the idea is
very ancient. The Tibetans have an entire system of yoga (dream yoga)
based upon astral projection. And here we have an important assump-
tion: you are involved in an OOBE (at least to a degree) whenever you
dream. What sets it apart from a full OOBE is your hazy consciousness
1356
during the experience and poor recall afterwards. Many people forget
most of their dreams completely. Learning astral projection requires a
kind of inner mental clarity and alertness.
Dreamsare adoor to thesubconscious whichcan beused for
psychological and spiritual insight, and sometimes for precognition.
Dream content is influenced by external sounds and sensations. For
example, a loud external noise (such as a train) will likely appear in
your dream (if it doesn't wake you up!). Dreams are also influenced by
events of the previous day, by your moods, and by suggestion. Every-
one normally dreams 4 or 5 times a night (about every 2 hours). The
longest dreams occur in the morning. Everyone dreams. You are more
likely to remember the details of your dream when you first wake up.
By keeping a dream diary you will improve dream recall. Have writing
equipment or a tape recorder at your bedside for this purpose; also a
light which isn't too bright. Suggest to yourself several times before
you go to sleep, "I will awaken with the knowledge of a dream." Then
when you do awaken, move quietly (sometimes
just turning over drives the idea away). Remember first, then write
the dream down, and then add as many details as possible. The next day
check for objective facts and expand if you can (by remembering 'what
happened before that'). Once you start remembering your dreams in this
way, it will become easier to do so. (If you are unsuccessful at this,
and *really* want to remember your dreams, you could arrange for
1357
someone to sit by your bedside all night long with a dim light on.
Then when he sees your eyes moving back and forth -- rapid eye move-
ments, a sign you are dreaming -- he can wake you and ask for a dream
report.)
FORMS OF ASTRAL PROJECTION
Astralprojection maybesubdivided intothree basictypes:
mental projection, astral projection (proper) and etheric projection.
And your OOBE may shift between them. Mental projection is really
simple clairvoyance ('remote viewing'), and 'traveling in your mind'.
Imagination plays a key role. The experience of mental projection is
not particularly vivid, and you will more likely be an observer than a
participant. Nevertheless, mental projection is an important 'way in'
to astral projection proper.
Duringmentalprojectionandastralprojection youareableto
travel through solid objects, but are not able to act directly upon
them or to move them (if they are in the physical world). This is not
true during etheric projection. Whether it is simply subconscious
expectation, or whether it is a true etheric projection which in
theory means that part of your physical body has been relocated with
your projection (the etheric or vital part) may be difficult to
determine. Etheric projections generally travel at or very near the
1358
physical world. There are even cases reported (very, very rare ones)
in which the entire physical body is transferred to another location
(teleportation), or cases in which the physical body exists and acts
in two separate places at once (bilocation)!
But ourprimary interestis astral projectionproper, and
mental projection to a lesser extent. Astral and mental projection are
not confined to the physical world. Travel in the mental and astral
realms is feasible, and often preferred. Nor are astral and mental
projection restricted to the realm of the earth (you could even go to
the moon and planets).
1359
STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS
The electricalactivity ofthe brainhas beenobserved and
classified with EEG (electroencephalograph) equipment; signals picked
up from the scalp by electrodes, then filtered and amplified, drive a
graph recorder. Brain activity has been found to produce specific
ranges for
certain basic states of consciousness, as indicated in 'hz' (hertz, or
cycles/vibrations per second):
delta -- 0.2 to 3.5 hz (deep sleep, trance state),
theta -- 3.5 to 7.5 hz (day dreaming, memory),
alpha-- 7.5to 13 hz(tranquility, heightenedawareness,
meditation),
beta -- 13 to 28 hz (tension, 'normal' consciousness).
As you can see, some form of physical relaxation is implied in the
alpha, theta, and delta consciousness. These states are in fact
reached through deep breathing, hypnosis, and other relaxation tech-
niques. OOBE occurs during these states, and delta is probably the
most important for it.
The problem is really, as we have said, one of maintaining mental
awareness and alertness while experienceing these altered states.
Experimental subjects hooked to an EEG do not show a discrete change
from drowsy to sleep; it is very gradual.
1360
Atthe thresholdbetweensleep andwakingconsciousness isa
drowsy condition known as the hypnogogic state. OOBE seems to occur
during this state, or a variant of it. By careful control of the
hypnogogic state (not going beyond it) it is possible to enter OOBE
directly.
BASIC TECHNIQUES
Mostmethodsofastralprojectionaremethodsofconditioning.
Some form of trance or altered consciousness is always involved. No
one ever projects consciously while fully awake (some may think that
they do). Although there are many techniques used to produce an astral
projection,
they boil down to ten of them. They all sort of overlap.
1361
1) Diet-- Certain dietarypractices mayaid in OOBE,esp-
ecially at first. These include fasting, vegitarianism, and in general
the eating of 'light' foods as discussed in a a previous lesson.
Carrots and raw eggs are thought to be especially beneficial, but all
nuts are to be avoided. Over-eating should be avoided. And no food
should be eaten just before an OOBE attempt. If you intend to practice
during sleep, for example, allow 2 to 4 hours of no food or drink
(except water) before bedtime. In general, we see here the same kind
of dietary restrictions advocated for kundalini yoga.
2) Progressivemuscularrelaxation--This isoneofthebasic
methods used in hypnosis and self-hypnosis. Physical relaxation can
assist one in attaining the requisite trance state. These techniques
involve beginning at the toes and tensing, then relaxing the muscles,
progressively up the entire body.
3)Yogaand breath-- Yoga,mantra, andbreathing exercises
similarly aim at physical relaxation. The practice of kundalini yoga
is particularly relevant, since it is concerned with altered con-
sciousness. In fact the arousal of kundalini requires a similar state
of consciousness to
OOBE.
1362
4)Visualization --This involvesa typeof extendedclair-
voyance or picturing of remote surroundings. If you can experience the
feeling of being there, so much the better. Although this technique
is essentially mental projection, it is possible to deepen mental
projection into astral
projection through (you guessed it!) visualization. Crowley taught a
similar technique: a) visualize a closed door on a blank wall, b)
imagine a meditation symbol on the door, c) visualize the door opening
and yourself
entering through it. And J.H. Brennan describes similar techniques
wherein the door is shaped and colored like a tattva, or alternately,
a chosen tarrot card is visualized and the student visualizes entering
into it.
5) Guided imagery -- Inmany respects similar tovisual-
ization. Except in this case, there is a guide (or perhaps a voice on
tape) directing you by means of descriptions. As with visualization,
mental rather than astral projection is most likely.
1363
6)Body ofLight --The oldGolden Dawntechnique. Imaginea
duplicate (mirror image) of yourself in front of you. Then transfer
your consciousness and sensation to the duplicate ('body of light').
7) Strongwilling -- Sort oflike creative visualization
experienced in the present. That is you express your strong desire to
project through your willpower while you visualize yourself doing it.
8) The Monroetechniques -- These are a series of steps
developed by Robert Monroe: a) relax the body, b) enter the hypnogogic
state, c) deepen the state, d) develope the senstation of 'vibration',
e) separate from the body. The Monroe Institute has developed some
cassete tapes which are claimed to help in this.
9) Dreamcontrol --This isone ofthe mostimportant tech-
niques. It involves becoming aware that you are dreaming. There are
several ways to do this. Oliver Fox says to look for descrepancies in
the dream to realize you are dreaming. One occult student I know of
visualized a white horse which he could ride wherever he wished to go.
After a time, when the horse appeared in his dreams it was his cue
that he was actually dreaming/projecting. Don Juan tells Castaneda to
look at his hands while he is dreaming. And even the tarot and Cabala
may be used as dream signals.
1364
Another method is to tell yourself each night as you go to sleep, "I
can fly"; then when you do, you will know you are dreaming. Once you
know you are dreaming you can control your dream/OOBE and go anywhere
you want. Repetitive activities will also likely influence your
dreams. For example, if you are on an automobile trip and spend most
of the day driving, you will probably dream about driving. You can
condition yourself to be aware you are dreaming by doing a repetitive
activity many times (walking across
the room or a particular magick ritual, for example). Then when you
dream about it, you will know you are dreaming.
10)Dream expansion--Avariation ondream control.A dream
may be *extended* by imagining it continuing from where it was when
you awaken. Then it is just a simple step to 'astral project' by
directing you 'dream'.
Althoughallthesetechniques
mayappearstraightforward,they
all require effort. Astral projection is generally learned.
The astral worldis the "ghostland"into which onepasses
after death. It is sometimes possible to visit with the dead, or you
might be called upon to reassure and assist those who have just passed
over (died) or those who are consciously projecting for the first
time. Many spirits,
1365
elementals and ghosts exist in the astral world. The magician should
feel comfortable there. Tibetan belief is that through proficiency in
OOBE, you no longer need reincarnate after death. The astral world is
extremely
changeable and subject to your thoughts. Your will can control your
movements in the astral world, and if you seem to be going somewhere
non-volitionally ('astral current') it is probably your true will
causing it anyway. You might also experience heightened magical
ability while in the astral realm.
[This is a popular subject, and there may be other files online about
it. Check the MIND file area for OOBE.ARC. This file includes the
following articles --
MIAS.DOC.
MONROE.DOC.
OBEBOOK.AST
OOBE.THR.
TN.TXT.]
1366
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What is the relationship between astral projection and
dreams.
2) What is mental projection?
3) List the ten basic methods of astral projection.
BOOK LIST
H.P. Battersby, Man Outside Himself.
Susan J. Blackmore, Beyond the Body.
J.H. Brennan, Astral Doorways.
Robert Crookall, The Techniques of Astral Projection.
Denning and Phillips, The Llewellyn Practical Guide to Astral
Projection.
Oliver Fox, Astral Projection.
Gavin & Yvonne Frost, Astral Travel.
Celia Green, Out-of-the-body Experiences.
Richard A. Greene, The Handbook of Astral Projection.
Herbert Greenhouse, The Astral Journey.
Jack London, Star Rover (historical occult novel).
Janet Mitchell, Out of Body Experiences.
Robert Monroe, Journeys Out of the Body.
Robert E. Moser, Mental and Astral Projection.
1367
Muldoon and Carrington, The Projection of the Astral Body.
Ophiel, The Art and Practice of Astral Projection.
A.E. Powell, The Astral Body.
D. Scott Rogo, Leaving the Body.
J.M. Shay, Out of the Body Consciousness.
Susy Smith, The Enigma of Out-of-the-body Travel.
Brad Steiger, The Mind Travelers.
Yram, Practical Astral Projection.
========
Phil Hansford, 4/88
Mysteria
(818) 353-8891 (modem)
1368
Copyright (c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is
is licenced for free non-commercial distribution only.
-----------------------------------------------------------
** MAGICK 10 -- CABALA **
Western magick isbased uponthe Cabala,a Jewishmystical
traditon first written down in 12th and 13th century southern France
and Spain. It was oral before that; and it contains the "lost"
knowledge of the ancients, possibly going back to Egypt and before.
The most important Cabalistic
books are SEPHIR YETZIRAH (The Book of Creation), and the ZOHAR (Book
of Splendor). Through Cabalistic philosophy we are able to classify
and "pigeon-hole" all of existence.
The fourworlds are recognizedin theCabala, but theyare
given Hebrew names. Thus -- Assiah, physical; Yetzirah, astral;
Briah, mental; and Atziluth, spiritual; as shown in the chart.
WORLD NAME MEANING ATTRIBUTE
===== ==== ======= =========
spiritual Atziluth Archetypal World pure deity
mental Briah Creative World archangels
1369
astral Yetzirah Formative World angels
physical Assiah Material World action
The divine name of God is TETRAGRAMMATON (or name of four letters)
made from the Hebrew letters YOD HE VAU HE (English YHVH). Of the four
letters, YOD corresponds with Atziluth and the element of fire; the
first HE corresponds with Briah and water. These first two letters
make up a yang-yin pair (respectively). The other two letters also
form a yang-yin
pair (respectively), with the VAU corresponding with Yetzirah and air;
while the second HE corresponds with Assiah and the element of earth.
TheCabalistic partsofthe souluse newnames forthe three
highest vehicles of consciousness. NESHAMAH (Divine Soul) is the
Spiritual body; RUAH (Moral Soul) is the Mental body; and NEFESH
(Animal Soul) is the Astral body.
1370
An importantattributeoftheCabala istheSEFIROTICTREE(or
"Tree of Life", Otz Chieem). The Sefirotic Tree is a diagram of the
universe made up of the ten SEFIROTH (primal numbers or orders of
creation) drawn as circles upon the Tree in a decending pattern from
the highest aspect of God at the top to the most physical aspect of
our world at the bottom. As can be seen in the accompanying diagram,
the sefiroth are connected together with numbered lines, called paths.
/ (1)\
/ | \
/ | \
(3) /----------|---------\ (2)
| | |
1371
| | |
| | |
(5)\-----------|---------/ (4)
| \ | / |
| \ | / |
| \ (6)/ |
| / | \ |
| / | \ |
| / | \ |
(8)/-----------|--------\ (7)
\ | /
\ | /
\ | /
\(9)/
|
|
(10)
This is my attempt to draw a Sefirotic Tree using ASCII characters.
Several paths are omitted (15, 17, 29, 31). Please refer to a printed
diagram (in most any book on Cabala) for a better illustration.
----------------------------------------------------------
1372
Above theTree is theinfinite void-- the unknowable,un-
manifest God as Divine Light -- the three veils of negative existence:
Ain, Ain Sof, and Ain Sof Aur. The Divine Light (Ain Sof Aur) is made
manifest by the first sefira where it is transformed into positive
existence. Emanations of energy (magical current) flow from the first
sefira (Source) along the paths into other sefiroth which transform
and emanate to lower and lower sefiroth. In Adam Kadman (primal or
ideal man) the sefiroth fit upon the
physical body; note the similarity to the chakras. The process of
creation is one of emanation from the spiritual at the top of the Tree
to the physical world (Sink) at the bottom. All current which is
Sourced into the Tree must also be Sinked (earthed). That is, magical
energy set in motion
by ritual shoud be used up in the physical world whether or not the
ritual was a success.
Sefiroth1, 2,and 3on theTree form theSupernal Triangle
which is beyond normal human experience in the world of Atziluth. The
first sefira, KETHER, is the supreme *crown* of God; it signifies pure
Being, and is the Source. Kether is androgynous. Immediately arising
from Kether are
two further emanations. The second sefira is HOKMAH, the *wisdom* of
God and the masculine force of the universe. Third is BINAH, the
*understanding* or intelligence of God; this is the supernal mother.
1373
Between theSupernals and theother seven sefirothis the
Abyss -- a great gulf which forever separates ideal from actual.
Within the Abyss an 11th sefira, DAATH, the *knowledge* of God is
sometimes placed.
The second triangle, comprised of the 4th,5th, and 6th
sefiroth in the world of Briah, is sometimes called the Mental Tri-
angle. Sefira 4, HESED, the *love* or mercy of God, is male and
positive. The 5th sefira, GEVURAH, the power or *strength* of God
complements Hesed as justice. Sixth is TIFARETH, as the compassion or
*beauty* of God; the heart of the universe.
1374
Thethird orAstralTriangle containssefiroth7, 8,and 9in
Yetzirah. Sefira 7, NETSAH, is the lasting endurance or *victory* of
God. Complementing Netsah is 8, HOD, the majesty or *splendor* of God.
The 9th sefira, YESOD, the *foundation* of the world, is linked with
the moon, hence the tides and the libido. Yesod is experienced as
dream consciousness, and is very important in magick and astral
projection.
Finally,at thephysicalworld ofAssiah isthe10th sefira,
MALKUTH, the *kindgom* of God, and the basis of all material creation.
We experience Malkuth as sense consciousness.
TheSefirotic Treehasthree verticalcolumns or*pillars*.
As you face the tree, the pillar on the right, headed by Hokmah and
ending with Netsah, is called the Pillar of Mercy and has light/mascu-
line (yang) qualities. The pillar on the left, headed by Binah and
ending with Hod, is the Pillar of Severity with dark/feminine (yin)
qualities. The Middle Pillar between them equilibriates the two
opposites, and is the *Shekhinah*, or feminine counterpart of God.
The *klippoth*, or evil demons, generally in Assiah, represent un-
balanced forces or excesses.
1375
Allthe attributesoftheuniverse fitlikepiecesof apuzzle
upon the Sefirotic Tree. Each numbered part is a numeric key to the
various correspondence tables, such as Crowley's '777'. The sefirotic
tree has its parts variously colored and each sefira has a color; in
fact the paths which run between the sefiroth have their own colors
too. There are four major color scales for the sefirotic tree and
each color scale corresponds with one of the four worlds. That means
we are dealing with not just one sefirotic tree, but actually with a
separate tree for each of the four worlds; although it is easier to
think of it as the same tree with a different color scale. The Queen
(Briah) and King (Atziluth) scales are
the most important. There is also the Empress scale (Assiah), and the
Emperor scale (Yetzirah).
1376
TheQueen andKing scalesfor thesefiroth areshown below.
(Note that when 4 colors are listed toghether, the sefira is divided
into quarters and the first color is assigned to the upper quarter,
the 2nd color to the right quarter, the 3rd color to the left quarter,
and the last color to the lower quarter.)
KEY QUEEN SCALE KING SCALE
=== =========== ==========
1 pure white brilliance brilliance
2 gray pure soft blue
3 black crimson
4 blue deep violet
5 scarlet red orange
6 yellow (gold) clear pink rose
7 emerald green amber
8 orange violet purple
9 violet indigo
10 citrine, olive, russet, yellow
and black
The 22 paths connectthe sefiroth together. These paths
correspond with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, as based upon
the SEFIR YETZIRAH. Due to the nature of the Hebrew alphabet (some
1377
letters can take two forms) SEFIR YETZIRAH divides each of two of the
letters into two (dual) parts. For this reason, it is necessary to
divide each of the two related paths into two (dual) parts. These are
numbered 31, 31b (bisected); 32, 32b. Yet when these paths are drawn
on the sefirotic tree they are usually shown undivided (and numbered
simply 31, and 32). The following
table shows the colors and location of the paths in relation to the
sefiroth. You will want to add the path numbers to the illustration of
the sefirotic tree, or draw a new tree. Some writers may refer to "32
paths", by calling the sefiroth "paths" 1-10.
1378
KEY JOINS SEFIROTH QUEEN SCALE KING SCALE
=== ============== =========== ==========
11 1 - 2 sky blue brt. pale yellow
12 1 - 3 purple yellow
13 1 - 6 silver blue
14 2 - 3 sky blue emerald green
15 2 - 6 red scarlet
16 2 - 4 deep indigo red orange
17 3 - 6 pale mauve orange
18 3 - 5 maroon amber
19 4 - 5 deep purple greenish yellow
20 4 - 6 slate gray yellowish green
21 4 - 7 blue violet
22 5 - 6 blue emerald green
23 5 - 8 sea green deep blue
24 6 - 7 dull brown green blue
25 6 - 9 yellow blue
26 6 - 8 black indigo
27 7 - 8 red scarlet
28 7 - 9 sky blue violet
29 7 - 10 buff, flecked crimson (ultra-
silver-white violet)
30 8 - 9 gold yellow orange
31 8 - 10 vermilion glowing orange-
1379
scarlet
32 9 - 10 black indigo
31b deep purple, white merging
nearly black into gray
32b amber citrine, olive,
russet, black
Thequeenand kingscalesarecomplementary. Alsocomplemen-
tary are the paths and the sefiroth. Traditional use of the queen
scale sefiroth will find the king scale as paths and vice versa. The
use of complementary scales is based upon the idea of balance. A tree
composed of sefiroth in the queen scale and paths in the king scale is
all you need for most magick. Although correspondences are what work
for you, there is said to be an ancient tradition surrounding the
conventional color scales and it may be helpful to lock into the
energy associated with them.
1380
From themagical pointof view,the Treeof Lifeis a mapof
consciousness which is useful for understanding and attaining various
states of consciousness. In cabalistic magick we are concerned with
the linking of higher energy to lower levels on the tree. That very
thing takes place naturally as well, in nature and in life. A subject
in itself is cabalistic meditation (pathwork, or the way of return),
in which we attempt to climb up the tree (ladder of lights) to attain
union with divinity.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What is the sefirotic tree?
2) How is the queen scale used in magick?
3) What is a path? How many are there?
1381
BOOK LIST
J. Abelson, Jewish Mysticism
Edward Albertson, Understanding the Kabbalah
Bernard J. Babmerger, Fallen Angels
Richard Cavendish, The Black Arts
______, editorial comments to "Cabala", Man Myth and Magic
Aleister Crowley, The Book of Thoth
______, 777 Revised
Denning and Phillips, The Magical Philosophy
______, Magical States of Consciousness (on pathworking)
A.D. Duncan, The Christ, Psychotherapy and Magic
Dion Fortune, The Mystical Qabalah
Adolphe Frank, The Kabbalah: The Religious Philosophy
of the Hebrews
Perle Epstein, Kabbalah, the Way of the Jewish Mystic
William Gray, The Talking Tree
Stephan A. Hoeller, The Royal Road
Isidor Kalish, Sepher Yezirah: A Book on Creation
Alta J. LaDage, Occult Psychology
Bernhard Pick, The Cabala: Its Influence on Judaism and
Christianity
Charles Ponce, Kabbalah: An Introduction and Illumination
for the World Today
Henry B. Pullen-Burry, Qabalism
1382
Israel Regardie, A Garden of Pomegranets
______, The Golden Dawn
______, The Middle Pillar
Leo Schaya, The Universal Meaning of the Kabbalah
Gershom Scholem, Kabbalah
______, Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism
______, On the Kabbalah and Its Symbolism
______, Zohar: The Book of Splendor
Arthur Edward Waite, The Holy Kabbalah
R.J. Zwi Werblowsky, "Cabala", Man, Myth and Magic
William Wynn Wescott, An Introduction to the Study of
the Kabalah
______, Sepher Yetzirah
========
Phil Hansford, 4/88
MYSTERIA
(818) 353-8891 (modem)
P.O. Box 83
Tujunga, CA 91042
1383
Copyright (c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is
is licenced for free non-commercial distribution only.
----------------------------------------------------------
** MAGICK 11 -- PSYCHIC ENERGY **
We have seen in the theories of magick, that there isa
definite relationship between the 'inner' and 'outer' worlds. We saw
this in the theory of the microcosm and the macrocosm; in the four
worlds; in the theory of correspondences; and also in the Cabala and
Tree of Life. This relationship between inner and outer is very
important. And it means quite simply that success (or lack of it) in
one world (inner or outer) influences success (or lack of it) in the
other. Therefore developing of magical ability is more than meditation
and magical practice, for it
implies mastery of the four worlds. The developed magician is not only
master of the inner worlds; he is also master of himself.
Thisis notto implythat successfulmagicians areall mil-
lionaires (or whatever standard people measure success by), but it
should mean that they are basically pleasant people, at least; no
serious hangups. The developed magician is described as a 'king' in
the Book of the Law. This means simply that he has full control over
1384
all aspects of his physical and inner life. He should be who he wants
to be, doing what he wants to do.
PLANETARY CORRESPONDENCES
The*numbers* in thetables and diagramof the preceeding
lesson on Cabala are the 'key' numbers which we find in various
*correspondence tables* (such as Crowley's '777'). One important set
of correspondences for the planets, is shown below...
KEY PLANET METAL ATTRIBUTE
=== ====== ===== =========
3 Saturn lead home
4 Jupiter tin luck, wealth
5 Mars iron anger, war-like
6 Sun gold vitality
7 Venus copper love
8 Mercury mercury knowledge
9 Moon silver emotions, travel
1385
Notice that we have included the metal which is associated with the
planet, as well as common attributes of each planet. The theory of
Cabalistic magick is to select the appropriate planet for the desired
result. The attribute column will assist in that selection. Once a
particular planet is determined, an entity is selected from the
correspondence tables by matching the key number. A set of correspon-
dence tables may be available on this board as a separate file (777.A-
RC). Additionally, a list of selected deities from several popular
pantheons and with a brief description about them may be available on
this board as GODS.LST.
AlthoughHebrewMysticismistheoriginalsourceofCabalistic
ideas, it is mostly unconcerned with the magical implications of those
ideas. How can a religious philosophy which is monotheistic lend
credibility to a polytheistic approach? Various deities are understood
as *aspects* or *qualities* of the Supreme God. This is not a con-
tradiction, merely a restatement of the microcosm-macrocosm idea once
again. The Sefirotic Tree, in its representation of the universe is
the Macrocosm. While it could be said that any single sefiroth has its
own separate qualities, it remains, nonetheless, a part of the whole
tree, and
a part of the macrocosm. As a result, virtually any pantheon or belief
system is compatible with the Cabala.
1386
WILLPOWER AND MAGICK
Western magick has traditionallyplaced a great deal of
emphasis upon the use of willpower as a means of development and
self-mastery. But this may not be the best method in the long run.
Isaac Bonewitz describes how the subconscious will sometimes rebel
against willpower with 'spectacular results'. It is far better to run
one's life democratically.
HawaiianKahunamagick describesthe'threeselves', ie.the
lower self (or subconscious), the middle self (or normal conscious-
ness), and the high self (spirit or Holy Guardian Angel). Enlighten-
ment in the Hawaiian system consists of unification of the three
selves. They become 'buddies'. Enlightenment does not come from great
change. It comes from great acceptance. Continual effort at becoming
better takes you nowhere. For becoming it is not being it. The
unification is achieved by first developing communication with the
subconscious and later with the high self also. Simple exercises with
a pendulum, automatic writing, raised finger responses, self hypnosis,
recording and analysis of dreams etc. facilitate communication with
the subconscious. At first communication with the high self must be
via the subconscious, but later it is possible to go direct to it.
1387
PSYCHIC ENERGY
Manyoccult groupsfollowan energymodel formagickand the
physical body. This model (or theory) equates psychic energy with
kundalini/prana/sexual or life force energy. The ideal of kundalini
yoga is thus to raise the kundalini to the higher chakras (especially
ajna and
sahasrara) thereby enhancing psychic/magick powers. The release of
psychic energy is also relevant to mental control, good health and
longevity, and the attainment of 'cosmic consciousness'. Meditation
and yoga is used to
liberate psychic energy so that it can be used for magical purposes.
But there are other ways to liberate psychic energy. Many of these
techniques will act as a mental catharsis in the sense of invigorating
the psyche and
resulting in improved intellectual and physical performance.
1) Psychotherapyof certain types whichreleases pent up
psychological energy.
2)Overcoming mindgames,hangups, andinhibitions. Thisis
the basis of all listed practices, as hangups waste psychic energy.
Certain psychotropic drugs may have this affect. Also the 'kicks' from
'risks' like skydiving.
1388
3) Vigorousdance and physicalexercise --to the pointof
'second wind'.
4) 'Desirelessness' and various religious practices.
5) The way of return, and various other mystical practices.
6)Atavistic resurgence.Thislast itemdeserves someextra
mention. It was one of Austin Spare's methods. It means to contact
the primitive emotions deep within the psyche. In a sense it is
regressive. However, there is power there, if you are able to control
it.
1389
Wehave seenhowmagical theoryis baseduponthe assumption
that psychic phenomena is real. If this is so, then magick is also
real. And we have also seen how magick is the art and science of
causing change in accordance with the will by non-physical means.
Magical philosophy is the
working system of terms, theories, and symbols upon which magick is
based. But magick goes further than that, for as an ancient system of
psychology, magick may be used as is a means of self improvement and
spiritual growth. For magick and mysticism are parallel paths, each
ultimately leading to transcendence.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What do we mean by the relationship between the inner
and outer worlds?
2) What is wrong with willpower?
3) Explain the energy model of magick.
1390
BOOK LIST
P.E.I. Bonewitz, Hawaiian Magic (tape).
Pete Carrol, Liber Null.
------, Psychonaut.
John Heriot, Teaching Yourself White Magic.
Allan P. Lewis, Clearing Your Lifepath.
Max Freedom Long, The Secret Science Behind Miracles.
------, The Secret Science At Work.
Stephen Mace, Stealing the Fire from Heaven.
Julian Wilde, Grimoire of Chaos Magick.
========
Phil Hansford, 4/88
Mysteria
(818) 353-8891 (modem)
P.O. Box 83
Tujunga, CA 91042
1391
Practical Applications of the Chaossphere
by Fra.: Neonfaust
The Chaossphere is the prime working tool of Chaos magicians and the
Magical Pact of the Illuminates of Thanateros (IOT). The physical
Chaossphere has a vast range of applications of which a few shall be
briefly delineated here:
Meditation employing the Chaossphere:
1, The Chaossphere is a symbol of the primeval Big Bang, it maybe
considered as a "frozen explosion" or even as "frozen information".
Regard the Chaossphere in a relaxed state, using the 180* stare if
you prefer. After a while shut your eyes and meditate on the
creative powers of Chaos. Chaos is not disorder let alone entropy
but rather the sum total of all possibillities incumbent in
existence and the unmanifest as a whole. In this manner you will
open the doors to the magickal multiversum for yourself.
2, Proceed as described above simultaneously meditating on
Nietzsches Zarathustra admonition:
"I say unto you: a man must have chaos yet within him to be able to
give birth to a dancing star. I say unto you: ye have chaos yet
within you."
You can have this statement read aloud to you by a partner or friend
during your meditation (or use a cassette recording). Experience
shows that this will greatly enhance the effect described above
under item number 1.
1392
Sigil charging employing the Chaossphere:
In lieu of other charging techniques you can project the magickal
sigil activation into the Chaossphere; banishing (preferably by
laughter) should follow immediately. Afterwards aim to forget the
whole magickal operation as thoroughly as possible to avoid
interference with the sigil`s operation by the unwanted rise of
consciousness of said operation/sigil and resultant inhibiting
psychic censor activity.
Drawing energy employing the Chaossphere:
To be performed preferably after a meditation with the Chaos-
sphere (see above); regard the Chaossphere in a very intensive manner
for a while and stretch your palms in its direction. Now close your
eyes fully or halfway and suck in the powers of Chaos through your
palms while inhaling; exhaling, distribute the energies all over your
body or store them in the Hara centre (appr. three fingers` width
below the navel). You will probably experience these energies as a
warm or cool current, possibly as a slightly tingling sensation.
Telepathy employing the Chaossphere:
During a partner experiment participants concentrate on the
Chaossphere (can also be performed with different participants
working on different locations); observe in a very relaxed state
messages, information and/or images rising from the unconscious.
Advanced magicians will find that this experiment can be performed
successfully via great distances even without participants
practising simultaneously. For Chaos (= pure information) is not
restricted by space and time.
1393
Astral projection and lucid dreaming employing the Chaossphere:
1, Using the 180* stare regard the Chaossphere until you ex-
perience a strong suction emerging from the sphere and pulling at your
"psychic entrails". This can frequently even be felt as a strong
physical sensation. Give way to this suction and let your astral
body emerge gradually. In the beginning this should be practised
partially, ie. the astral body portion extracted increasing with
every subsequent attempt. Thus, you may for example only project
half an arm the first time, the full at the next go etc. Finally the
astral body should emerge totally. Be aware that astral projection
may demand weeks` or months` dedicated practice to succeed, depending
on personal talent and inhibitions. Incidentally, the same technique
may be used to extract the magickal doppelganger, personal daemons
etc.
2, Immediately before dropping off to sleep visualize the
Chaossphere as accurately as possible and continue as described
above. This will induce either stronger astral projection or lucid
dreaming or both. This has proved to be an extremely powerful
exercise, but it is strongly suggested that you attempt it only
after having acquired a thorough working knowledge with the variaant
described above under item 1. (If you start off with mental working
chances are that you will very soon become severely sloppy without
even being aware of the fact; this may in turn inhibit control of
magickal powers and could lead to obsession.) You may also want to
wake yourself up at 4 a.m. and give this exercise a try for a few
minutes before dropping off to sleep again. Take care to note your
dreams next thing in the morning, do not - repeat: DO NOT! - rely on
your memory alone.
1394
Activating psychogones/chaoservitors employing the Chaossphere:
Use the Chaossphere as a "base camp" and "home" for psychogones/-
chaoservitors and/or as a form of "launching pad". In case of the
former the Chaossphere presents itself as a high class power recep-
tacle and storage battery from which you can extract your psycho-
gones/chaoservitors into the Chaossphere as you would with sigils to
be activated; thus, the Chaossphere will become a gate to the Sphere
of Chaos for your magickal entities in which (and from which) they
will become active in accord with your bidding.
Charging magical objects employing Chaossphere:
Magical objects such as talismans, amulets, fetishes etc. can be
charged with the aid of the Chaossphere by fastening them to the
sphere or its tip during a ritual, placing them under it etc. while
directing the energies of Chaos into the objects in question.
Combat magic training employing the Chaossphere:
During combat magical training the Chaossphere is particularly
suited as a power storage battery out of which the magician draws
Magis or Mana. It is furthermore used as a combat target while
practising the kiai or other battle cries and martial arts Chi
techniques. In the same manner, magickal energy bolts, curses, words
of powers and strong affections are hurled emphatically into the
Chaossphere where they may be stored for further use.
1395
Charging the Chaossphere:
Experience has shown that the Chaossphere does not demand a
special
charging by ritual etc. Rather, the charging takes place alone by
its practical application. Should you desire to incorporate magickal
"condensator" fluids or solids (eg. as used for charging magickal
mirrors) this can easily be achieved by unscrewing the tips and
replacing them after filling in the condensator.
1396
THE PACT (IOT) - The Story So Far
by Pete Carroll
In 1976 in an abandoned ammunition dump dug deep into a mountain
somewhere in the Rhineland, two magicians, one English, one German
announced the formation of a magical order with the celebration of a
Mass of Chaos in the company of a couple of dozen other magicians.
Soon after we emerged from the bowels of the mountain a localized
tornado hit immediate area. This was but a small portent of things
to come.
We left the mountain with no particular idea other than to form an
Order such as had never existed before, that would break the
existing mold and provide a vehicle for Chaos Magic. A year later
some of us met in a splendid Austrian castle and formally arranged
ourselves into the Magical Pact of the Illuminates of Thanateros,
using as a basis a simple structure of four grades and five offices
that I had devised in the meantime. Since then the Pact has evoked a
veritable whirlwind of activity, and at the time of writing counts
some sixteen temples in the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland,
Australia and the USA. A meeting for all members is now held
annually, usually at the same original castle (Burg Lockenhaus,
Austria, 2.-6.August 1991 followed by an Exercitium open for all).
It is always a wild experimental gathering during which plenty of
hard work is being done. In devising a structure I sought mainly to
avoid the mistakes of previous established orders such as the Golden
Dawn and the Ordo Templi Orientis. A certain division of labour is
essential just to ensure that people take responsibility for
organizing that which needs organizing. Beyond that it seems an
absurdity to form an order on the basis of one or a few persons
1397
adopting the role of great guru almighty. Their bluff must
eventually be called, and such organisations are unlikely to advance
beyond whatever set of ideas they start with. Crowley had to break
with the Golden Dawn to make his own contribution to magic, and
Austin Spare had to break with Crowley in his turn. Such progress
through schism is an idiotic waste of time and effort. Any
contemporary order which wishes to remain alive, exciting and
innovative requires a structure or at least a communication network
to exist at all, but dogmatic ideas, rigid hierarchies and fixed
teachings and beliefs will kill its creative spirit rapidly.
Thus in the Pact, the individual temples, which are its basic unit,
experiment with whatever techniques, rituals and ideas they please,
and exchange results and inspirations through newsletters,
magazines, a computerized electronic mailbox system, inter-temple
visits and the annual Pact meeting. There is thus a natural
selection of ideas. Techniques, Spells and Rituals which are found
to be really useful become used and expanded upon whilst the less
effective material is forgotten. Those members who enter the Pact
bubbling over with ideas are encouraged to put them into use
immediately. Naturally in an organisation such as this there is less
emphasis on discipline than on enthusiasm and creativity. The Pact is
more interested in those who can experience magic as a living thing,
than in those who can merely follow instructions. Indeed the only
power the Pact reserves over its members is the right of expulsion
for extreme non-fraternal behaviour or for bringing the Pact into
danger. The Pact has but two aims. Firstly the pursuit of the Great
Work of Magic and pleasures and profits attendant to this Quest.
Secondly to act as a Psychohistoric Force in the Battle for the
Aeon. To fulfill the first aim we provide communication facilities
that enable us to work together and develop our own magics through
1398
the exchange of ideas and information. Esoterics should also be fun.
If you don`t enjoy doing magic you are probably doing something
wrong. The profits are entirely whatever rewards individuals can
make from their own magic. There are no membership fees and the
annual Pact meeting is free and funded by seminars and exercitiums
that some members hold for the general public plus any members who
wish to attend. The somewhat grandiosely phrased Psychohistoric
action in the Battle for the Aeon, consists mainly in spreading the
philosophy of magical paradigm where we can, in print and by word of
mouth, although we occasionally perform acts of magic to hasten
things along.
The magical techniques and philosophy of the Pact are mainly Chaoist
in inspiration. Chaos Magic calls for a concentration of the actual
mechanics at work when planning acts of evocation, divination,
enchantment, invocation and illumination. It is techniques and
intention that are important in successful magic. The most Important
Techniques are those which adjust subconscious belief. Subconscious
belief controls both the self or selves and the world. So long as
this is never forgotten one can structure a ritual or spell with
just about any form of symbolism from Tibetan Tantra to Icelandic
Runelore. And indeed, where else but in the Pact could you find
magicians experimenting with Runic Sex Magic? Well perhaps you will
find other examples. I notice the eclectic approach becoming ever
more pervasive in esoterics. Insights and ideas are now poached
shamelessly from one so-called tradition to another, but this is how
it should be, and Chaos Magic boldly encourages the meta-tradition
which takes anything and everything that is effective from all
traditions to create an explosive mixture.
1399
So, on with the pursuit of the Great Work of Magic, with whatever
forms of Techno-Shamanism, Tantric Goetia or Greco-Egyptian Quantum
Physics we can make work for us. There are worlds within us, and the
universe is infinitely more weird, I`m sure, than all our theories
put together. Hopefully, some of the explosives the Pact cooks up
can propel us a little further into these strange domains. I have no
idea how this years Pact meeting will unfold, except that there will
be magicians from many lands seated in a huge circle ready to offer
their specialities in everything from Buddhist sorcery through Norse
wyrdcraft and Chaos mathematical investment schemes to Voodoo and
Ice Magics. We have the technology and we`re crazy enough to use it!
The Pact may be contacted in the US care of:
Temple Oblivion, P.O.Box 18514, Encino CA 91416-8514
1400